Phil Jagielka can help Everton FC cope with loss of Phil Neville - David Moyes

24 November 2012 08:14

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PHIL JAGIELKA has the right credentials to help Everton cope with the loss of skipper Phil Neville, says David Moyes.
The England defender will wear the captain’s armband against Norwich at Goodison today as Neville faces a potential two-month spell out recovering from knee surgery.
And while Moyes admits any side would miss the inspirational presence of the 35-year-old, the Blues boss is content Jagielka can step up and provide vital leadership.
He said: “I see Jags as Phil’s natural successor. Jags has got that and he’s actually maturing a bit. At times he could be a bit scatty but he’s improved a lot and the England situation has brought a lot of maturity to him.
“At the moment I see him trying to step up. He recognises Phil’s not about for now and he’s taking it on and he needs to. I can see by his body language and the way he’s going about things at the club that he’s trying to do that.
Phil Jagielka's Opta stats for the season so far
“I think there is a bit of it that comes naturally to him. In his own way he’s a real leader. He’s always been coming up – from Sheffield to Everton then to the England team.
“With all those situations he’s grown into them – certainly as a key man for Everton – and he’s going in the right direction for the England team.”
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